ROBERT Martin Gumbura, the jailed founder of Independent End Time Message Church, may be behind bars, but that has not dampened the spirits of his children.

That, at least, was the notion derived after watching his 11-year-old son Munesuishe wowing crowds at the launch of Tynwald Primary School Choir's debut five-track gospel album Tirikufara, accompanied by a DVD album last week.

The pupil managed to charm many including veteran afro-jazz musician Bob Nyabinde who was the guest of honour at the event.

Nyabinde, better known as the "Headmaster" on the showbiz scene, was left with no option other than to invite the boy to play the bass guitar on his track Chabuda Hapana much to the applause of guests and other pupils.

The ecstatic Munesuishe said he was happy to share the stage with the veteran musician.

"This was my first time to have such an experience playing the guitar alongside Bob Nyabinde. I am happy that he acknowledged my talent. I want to thank my mentor Silas Mungwagwa who inspires me and teaches me how to play the guitar as a professional," he said.

Munesuishe's mother applauded the school in promoting talent.

"Although Munesuishe started playing the guitar in church at a tender age of eight, I just want to appreciate the role being played by Tynwald Primary School in nurturing talent," she said.

Many who thronged the launch were left awe-struck as Munesuishe managed to match Nyabinde's guitar playing skills.

Munesuishe and his brother Garai, who is a drummer, are part of the five-member Tynwald Primary School Young Legends Jazz Band.
Speaking at the launch, Nyabinde urged parents to support their children in pursuing their talents.

"As parents, if you want your children to learn better, you should support their potential talents and encourage them to develop it," Nyabinde said. "Those children who would want to pursue music in their life must value education first for them to be able to manage the talent."

In an interview with reporters, speaking on the side-lines of the launch, the school head Sevias Mujere said the school seeks to promote pupils' talents.

"As part of learning at Tynwald Primary School we are also determined to promote various talents in our pupils through different categories that we offer," he said.

Meanwhile, Mujere said the choir will be travelling to the United Kingdom next month for three weeks with an opportunity of attending lessons at different schools in that country. Five of Gumbura's eleven wives and urban groover musician Leonard Mapfumo were part of the audience.